Caribbean Night at the South Florida Museum

After a dry, dance free couple of months, I was itching to get my sexy salsa and skanky ska on somewhere that had great music. A reputable source told me about the great band Big Night Out that was playing during South Florida Museum's Caribbean themed Think & Drink Culture Party.

While I find it difficult to both think and drink at the same time, I was curious, so my significant other and I made our way to the museum.

$5 cover got us in, with additional fees for food. Jerk Chicken and Macadamia Grouper were the entree's of the eve, served up by the Banana Cabana for an additional $5 a plate. Bottled beer went for $3, house and premium (Sterling Cabernet) ran $5 and $7. So, for $13 bucks, you can get dinner, dancing, live music, general museum admission, and a beer...Nuff said.

Visitors from as far as California graced the dance floor, as a group of us insta-friends formed a circle, and took turns shaking things up in the center. There was even an impromptu conga line through the museum, and barefoot dancing was encouraged (Okay, maybe not encouraged, but not exactly frowned upon, either). Big Night Out went through a mix of Latin and Caribbean picks, with a little Ska just to keep it interesting.

Open after hours, we wandered through the varied Water Exhibit, Environmental Wing, the Medical Wing and took a trek through Bradenton's (Originally "Braidentown") Historical Exhibit.

Community friendly, I'd say the age range was everywhere from 15-years-old through the senior years, with no clear cut demographic, so you won't arrive feeling out of place.

I danced until I was dizzy and my feet and legs could move no more.

Fabulous event.

Check out the South Florida Museum's website for more cultural parties, and a variety of community events.

* Special thanks to Jeff Rodgers, Director of Education of the South Florida Museum for these event photos.